Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
Meanwhile, 75% of S & P 500 constituents closed September in negative territory. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Osborn has been traveling across Nebraska to hold meetings in all 93 counties, and has repeatedly criticized Ricketts for not holding town halls to meet with constituents. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Its constituent parts including Sister Pictures have turned a profit in the past but this year is the first time the overall Sister Group hasn’t been in the red. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 July 2026 Metreweli attended Westminster School in London and then studied social anthropology at Pembroke College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. — Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • And last December, after an already enviable year, Winter became the newest member of this exclusive club.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • According to Tulsa World, the show stopped after just two songs and keyboardist Jonathan Cain addressed the crowd after all the other band members left the stage.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Believe it or not, the Cubivan Camping System wasn't the only multi-component camper pod system at this year's Caravan Salon built to slide out and camp outside the van itself.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Bakery products from El Nuevo Progresso bakery lacked an ingredient list for each product.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Per Degroote, who’s been in the unscripted business for over two decades, one of the key ingredients for a format’s success today lies in audience participation.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Any eligibility restriction might seem unfair when applied to individual athletes.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But each individual hat will be situated in a nonrepeating pattern that continues to change no matter how large the overall tiling is.
    — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In most cases, bed and board have to be paid for, but there are a series of daily spending caps on different elements, such as food and hotel costs.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Their brand-new kits and crest, designed by former Sporting KC senior brand director Chad Reynolds, embrace Kansas City elements in designs and font.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Whereas collectability, value and investability of sports cards can rise and fall on the real-world performance of athletes, both trading-card genres share common factors.
    — Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Even your language preference, country setting, and device type factor in, though TikTok says those carry less weight.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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